The Unknown Bobcat Ceremony

EQUIPMENTElectric campfire (or real one if you're outside)

SETTINGCampfire is lit, the room is dark other than the campfire. The Cubmaster sits at the campfire. Hopefully the campfire is bright enough to read the ceremony. A microphone can be placed in/near the electric campfire so that the cubs can be heard and so that the Cubmaster doesn't have to speak loudly. The Cubmaster does almost all the talking. The text below can be added to by asking questions of the boys and by referring to specific things about the boys, dens, or pack. Make it personal, Cubmaster to the boys getting their bobcat.

INTRODUCTION(Some of my ancestors were members of the Mohawk Indian Nation, so I used that. But others can use a nation that was in their area. Describe the Indian nation a little bit as an introduction)

Cubmaster: (to all) When a Mohawk boy has learned certain skills or knowledge, an elder of the tribe sits with him at a fire and questions him about what he has learned and gives him some advice for his next stage of learning. Will (name the boys) please come and join me at the council fire.

Cubmaster: (Talking to the boys, not the whole pack) The Bobcat trail has seven tracks:

The First Track is: The Cub Scout Promise. Will you please recite the promise with me? The Cubmaster and boys say it together: I, ........, promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the law of the Pack.

Cubmaster asks: What does the promise mean? Cubmaster replies: Duty to God: Put God first. Do what you know God wants you to do. My Country: Do what you can for your country. Be proud that you are an American. Help other people: Do what you can to aid others. Obey the Law of the Pack: Be a good Cub Scout. Be proud that you are one.

The Second Track is: The Law of the Pack The Cub Scout follows Akela: Akela is a good leader and teacher.Your mother and father are Akela. In the pack, the Cubmaster is. In the den, your den leader. In school, your teacher. Listen, and hear the words of Akela. The Cub Scout Helps the pack go. Come to the meetings. Do what you can to help. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. You can have fun when you are part of the pack. Learn things from others. Do things with them. The Cub Scout gives goodwill. Smile. Be Happy. Do things that make others happy. They don't have to be big things. Little things help too.

The Third Track is: What does Webelos means? Webelos means "We'll Be Loyal Scouts."

The Fourth Track is: The Cub Scout Sign. You have learned the Cub Scout sign: The two fingers stand for two parts of the promise. "To help other people" and "to obey"

The Fifth Track is: The Cub Scout Handshake You have learned the Cub Scout Handshake.

The Sixth Track is: The Cub Scout Motto You have learned the Cub Scout motto: Do Your Best. When you play a game, when you study in school, when you are at home. Whatever you do, do your best.

The Seventh Track is: The Cub Scout Salute You have learned the Cub Scout Salute. A salute is a way to show respect to your leaders. It shows that you look up to them and respect them. We salute the flag to show respect to our country. Please stand and salute your parents and ask them to join us.

MORE: At this point, the cubmaster can use one of the other ceremonies for Bobcat. Present the badges to the parents, pin the badge on upside down, etc.